7 scenic places to visit in the New Forest

The New Forest National Park is one of the last remaining areas of heathland, forest and green pasture within the densely populated south east region of England. As a result, city dwellers from every side of the national park flock to its scenic spots every year to escape the congestion and smog back home. Whether you want to sit back and relax or enjoy some blood pumping outdoor activities, there is something for everyone within the New Forest’s towns, villages and wild, unspoilt areas. With so many picturesque landscapes to choose from, picking out just a few scenic spots is a tall order. Here are seven of our favourite beautiful places to visit in the New Forest to get you started.

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1. Beaulieu

The charming village of Beaulieu can be found on the southern bank of the Beaulieu River. Although the village is little more than a street of traditional red brick houses, its shops, pubs and countryside views draw tourists here each year. Some scenic points of interest include Mill Pond with Palace House, the home of Lord and Lady Montagu. Just outside the village is another must-see attraction, the National Motor Museum. It’s the perfect day out for sports junkies!

2. Brockenhurst

With excellent rail and road connections to the rest of the county, the delights at Brockenhurst are easily accessible for visitors. With a population of a little more than 3,000 people, Brockenhurst is one of the larger villages in the area. Over the years, the quiet charms of the village have been maintained through its traditional hotels and pubs. For a scenic day out, you should head towards Buckler’s Hard on the bank of the Beaulieu River for a riverside walk or up to Hatchet Pond for a picnic by the water’s edge.

3. Burley

Although Burley has all the rustic charms of a typical New Forest village, this unassuming place has built up a wealth of stories over the years involving witches, dragons and smugglers. As you wander around the village with its free roaming animals, thatched roofs and nearby heathland, there are a few reminders of its spooky history, such as the Black Cat Cafe and a witchcraft store. Other things to do in the area include a trip to Burley Fudge, long country walks and cycling.

4. Hythe

If you fancy a change of scenery, head to the town of Hythe for some stunning coastal views from its Victorian pier and a few maritime treats along the busy waterfront. Over time, Hyde has witnessed many famous voyages such as the Titanic in 1912 and the QE2. To enjoy Hythe in comfort, try taking a trip on the oldest working pier train in the world.

5. Fordingbridge

Known to some as the northern gate to the New Forest, this ancient medieval settlement can be found along the beautiful banks of the River Avon. The village was once an industrial and commercial centre in the New Forest. Now, Fordingbridge is a quiet retreat with plenty of picnic spots and views across the river from its fine medieval bridge.

6. Fritham

Fritham is home to one the best pubs in the New Forest, the Royal Oak, as well as one of the most popular walks, the Fritham Walk. After a spot of lunch, you can either walk or cycle along the path which takes you through the pleasant fields of Fritham Plain, down through Island Thorns and Amberwood. Keen film fans may recognise this particular area from Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves starring Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman.

7. Lyndhurst

This little village is a tourist honey pot with a variety of quaint tea rooms, art galleries, cafes, hotels, pubs and restaurants. While this idyllic settlement is the administrative capital of the New Forest, its closest city is bustling Southampton nine miles to the north east. Once a part of the royal lands, Lyndhurst, which means ‘wooded hill growing with lime trees,’ is listed in the Doomsday book of 1086. Today, locals and tourists replace kings and queens who come here to visit its most popular attractions, including the New Forest Museum.

With a vast array of campsites, attractions and landscapes, the New Forest is one of the best places for a family holiday in the UK. We hope that the following guide has given you a little insight into the beautiful places to expect prior to your Hampshire stay.